A Dangerous Claim (2)

Barbielle bit her lower lip and stomped a foot, pointing at Valencia—

“What’s going on here?” Kael’s voice struck from behind Barbielle.

They paused and looked at Kael and Gerald. Kael walked to Valencia’s side and slid his hand behind her waist. Valencia’s eyes widened, and she squeaked. Barbielle watched, frowning.

“Lord Kael—”

“Why are you bothering my person?” Kael asked.

Barbielle gulped. Valencia looked at Barbielle, then returned her gaze to Kael.

“I just told her that you seduced me because she got the wrong idea earlier,” Valencia answered.

Kael froze, glancing at her hesitantly. Barbielle sniffled.

“She seduced you, right?! You didn’t choose her,” Barbielle begged for clarity.

Kael ignored her as if she were background noise, then laughed and pulled Valencia closer. Valencia placed her hand on his chest and pushed him.

“Did my seduction work?”

William closed his eyes, silently praying the world would blind him. Why are you doing this right now, Lord Kael? She obviously didn’t like your seduction. He turned aside and gagged visibly.

Valencia frowned, brows creased.

“Please stop… I have somewhere to go, Lord Kael.”

Kael chuckled, his breath warming her ear.

“Don’t come home too late… say hello to the Tower Master for me,” he whispered.

Valencia flinched, staring at him. I didn’t tell him I was visiting Eldrich. How did he know I was heading there?

Kael moved away and grinned. She pouted as she averted her gaze.

“Just get your guests out of my way, please,” she muttered.

He held her close and glanced at Gerald and Barbielle.

“I bid you farewell, Prince and Princess of Galali. I hope to see you two another day,” Kael stated.

Gerald clicked his tongue as he glared at Kael. His eyes softened when he gazed at Valencia. He smirked and walked to her, grabbing her hand. Valencia pulled back, but Gerald held it tightly. He then kissed her knuckles.

“I hope to see you again, My Lady,” Gerald chimed.

Kael tightened his jaw, shooting his glare at Gerald. Gerald’s grip loosened as she yanked her hand back, turning to Kael.

“I don’t know what to say… I’ve never interacted with any high-class noblemen,” she whispered.

Kael giggled and hugged her.

“Leave,” he demanded coldly at Gerald.

Gerald’s eye twitched as he stared at Kael. Kael lifted his chin slightly, smirking.

“By all means, I’m saying this as nicely as possible, Prince Gerald.”

Gerald scoffed and turned away, hopping into the carriage. Barbielle stretched her lips thin, bowing before she left.

Valencia peeked, watching them leave carefully as she bit her lower lip.

Gerald stared at the window… at Valencia, rubbing his chin. He squinted and sighed in frustration.

“Why does she look familiar?”

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